Kirsten Veeren – Head Coach Illaweena Girls Football

Kirsten Veeren is our Head Coach of Illaweena Girls Football. She started playing football at 8 years of age and became a Goalkeeper at age 11. In Year 10 Kirsten made her first Met West Football team and continued to be selected for the team in Year 11 and 12. In Year 12 she was also selected as a shadow player for the Queensland School Girls team.

While in Year 12, Kirsten played her first year of senior women’s football for Annerley FC in the Premier Women’s competition, winning player of the year. For the next 6 years she has always played in the top level of competition in SEQ playing at Olympic FC and Western Pride FC. When Kirsten moved to Western Pride FC in 2016 she was named as Captain and Club Ambassador, and also took up the role of Junior Goalkeeper Coach, continuing that role throughout 2017 and parts of 2018.

In 2016 Kirsten was invited to trial at several English Football Clubs, including Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Millwall Lionesses. After these trials she made it her goal to play professionally and in 2017, signed her first professional contract with Brisbane Roar FC, where she continues to play today.

Throughout her playing career, Kirsten has developed a love and passion for coaching, being involved with the Michael Theo Soccer Academy, Western Pride FC, Southern Scorpions District, Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar Youth programs. Kirsten prides herself on creating a team culture where everyone works hard for their teammates and the focus is always to grow as a team.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Applied Science (Ecology)

Bachelor of Games and Interactive Entertainment (Software Development)